REPORT: Manchester United and Leicester City Agree Harry Maguire Move

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - JULY 27: Harry Maguire gestures to the fans during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Stoke City and Leicester City at the Bet365 Stadium on July 27, 2019 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Harry Maguire Completes Move From Leicester City to Manchester United

A Quality Addition

Speculation over the future of Maguire has been gathering pace for some time. Rivals Manchester United and Manchester City were both believed to be battling for the Leicester City defenders signature. The Red Devils have managed to beat their rivals to sign the player.

Top defenders are few and far between. When they become available, they demand a top price. Manchester United have proven this with the £80 million spent. The England international has 20 caps for his country, and the fans see Maguire as one of the best defenders in Europe.

Statistics Back Up Claims

Some may be unsure of the claims that Maguire is one of the best defenders around. However, his statistics from last season suggest he is, especially in the Premier League.

Clubs today like a defender who is comfortable on the ball. Maguire’s dribbling success rate was the second-best in the EPL last season. His dribble success rate was 76%. He also has a passing success rate of 86%.

Few strikers can get the better of him in the air. Maguire won 78.1% of his aerial duels. This is better than Virgil van Dijk, the man considered by many as the best defender in the Premier League, if not Europe.

A Brief History of Harry Maguire

Harry Maguire began his career at Sheffield United. He played over 130 games for the Blades, winning their Young Player of the Year and Player of the Year awards. In 2014 he moved to Hull City for £2.5 million.

At Hull, he was part of the side that won promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs. The following season resulted in relegation; however, Maguire won Player of the Season. In 2017, the clubs agreed to a deal worth up to £17 million for the player, and so he made the switch to Leicester City.

In just one season with the Foxes, Maguire was a sought-after player. Manchester United were reportedly willing to pay a world-record fee for a defender in 2018. The deal never happened. However, this summer, the club have managed to snap him up.

Barry has been writing for LWOS since March 2015. He covers Sunderland as well as football in general. Originally from the City of Sunderland, he now lives in Berwick Upon Tweed. A passionate supporter of his hometown club, he went to his first game in 1987.